For the first time in 13 years, the prestigious South Africa Special Report by Tim Atkin MW, in partnership with Private Clients by Old Mutual Wealth, has revealed a shortlist of nominees for five of its top awards. The winners – along with the year’s highest-scoring wines – will be announced on 2 September.
Atkin says the move is a “shout-out” to the talent keeping South Africa at the forefront of global wine, despite challenges from climate, economics, and politics. “The collaboration, generosity and skill in our winemaking community is remarkable,” he adds.
Rising Stars
The Rising Star shortlist celebrates winemakers making waves early in their careers. Angus Paul of Stellenbosch, trained under Chris and Andrea Mullineux and Johan Reyneke, champions Chenin Blanc, Pinotage and Cinsault. Duncan Stuart from Kloovenburg in the Swartland is making his mark with Mediterranean varietals, including the exciting Garnacha Peluda. Banele Vakele, assistant winemaker at Savage Wines, produces his own organic Tembela Wines, named after his late mother. Megan van der Merwe, winemaker at Beau Constantia, has brought humour, style, and a youthful profile to both the cellar and social media.
Young Winemaker of the Year
Four dynamic talents are in the running for Young Winemaker of the Year. Stuart Botha of Tokara has impressed with both whites and reds, including the flagship Telos. Jolandie Fouché of Wolf & Woman Wines, a former Atkin award-winner, focuses on Chenin and Pinotage. Franco “Poenie” Lourens crafts minimal-intervention wines with distinctive labels. Emul Ross of Hamilton Russell Vineyards is celebrated for Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and is a Cape Winemakers Guild member.
Winemaker of the Year
The Winemaker of the Year nominees are all Cape Winemakers Guild members. Richard Kershaw from Elgin produces site-specific Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. Miles Mossop, known for Bordeaux blends, sources grapes across the Western Cape. Gordon Newton Johnson of Upper Hemel-en-Aarde is acclaimed for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and pioneering Albariño. Donovan Rall works with neglected vineyards and excels with Syrah, Chenin Blanc, Cinsault and white blends.
Viticulturist of the Year
The Viticulturist of the Year award honours vineyard visionaries. Fritz Breytenbach of Robertson has championed regenerative agriculture for over 60 years. Danie Carinus of Stellenbosch produces Carinus Family Vineyards wines and supplies grapes to leading winemakers. Willem Joubert of Hartenburg Estate is an EOV-certified eco-grower. Nico Walters of Quoin Rock has rejuvenated Stellenbosch vineyards and works with old vines and Cape Agulhas sites.
Best Cellar Door Experience
For wine lovers visiting in person, the Best Cellar Door Experience nominees are Gabriëlskloof in Bot River, Jordan Wine Estate in Stellenbosch Kloof, Steenberg Vineyards in Constantia, and Vondeling in the Voor Paardeberg.
Raising a Glass to South Africa’s Finest
This year’s shortlist is more than a roll call of talent – it’s a celebration of South Africa’s resilience, creativity, and community spirit. From trailblazing young winemakers to veteran viticulturists, each nominee tells a story of passion rooted in the Cape’s rich soils. Whether you sip their wines in a tucked-away tasting room or see their bottles gracing the world’s top restaurants, these are the names shaping the country’s wine legacy for decades to come. On 2 September, the corks will pop – and the world will be watching.
